“He Changes the Game & Momentum”: Mahela Jayawardene Praises Rohit Sharma’s Impactful Knock

Following a vintage 76* against CSK, MI head coach Mahela Jayawardene applauds Rohit Sharma’s composure, mindset, and match-winning intent as the opener sets new IPL milestones.

📍 Mumbai | April 21, 2025

Mumbai Indians (MI) head coach Mahela Jayawardene has lauded Rohit Sharma for his game-changing performance against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on Sunday night, praising the veteran’s mental strength and his ability to deliver in crunch situations after a slow start to IPL 2025.

Rohit smashed an unbeaten 76 off 45 balls, including six sixes and four fours, at a blazing strike rate of 168.89, steering MI to a dominant nine-wicket win over CSK at Wankhede.

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💬 Mahela on Rohit’s Comeback Form

At the post-match press conference, Jayawardene credited Rohit’s experience and calm approach during a lean phase in the tournament:

“For a guy with that kind of experience, you literally leave them be and have those positive conversations. Polly [Kieron Pollard] and I spoke with him, and he was quite okay about everything.”

He emphasized Rohit’s intent and focus from the start of the season:

“Even though he was failing earlier, the intent was always there. He worked through the first few overs, found his rhythm, and we know that once he clicks, he changes the game and momentum. He’s been playing this tempo for a while and understands himself well.”

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🏆 Milestone Night for Rohit Sharma

Rohit’s sensational knock didn’t just power MI to victory—it also saw him shatter multiple IPL records:

🟡 Most ‘Player of the Match’ Awards in IPL History:

• Rohit Sharma – 20 (in 264 matches)
• Virat Kohli – 19 (in 260 matches)
• AB de Villiers – 25
• Chris Gayle – 22
• MS Dhoni & David Warner – 18 each

🔵 Second-Highest Run-Getter in IPL:

Rohit surpassed Shikhar Dhawan (6,769 runs) to take the No. 2 spot, now behind only Virat Kohli.

Rohit’s All-Time IPL Record:

• Matches: 264
• Innings: 259
• Runs: 6,786
• Average: 29.63
• Strike Rate: 131.61
• 50s: 44 | 100s: 2
• Best Score: 109*

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📊 IPL 2025 Stats – Rohit Sharma

• Matches: 7
• Runs: 158
• Average: 26.33
• Strike Rate: 154.90
• Fifties: 1 (Best: 76*)

His recent knock marks a turning point in MI’s campaign and a return to form for their most celebrated batter.

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Rohit Sharma, Mahela Jayawardene, Mumbai Indians, IPL 2025, Player of the Match, CSK vs MI, Virat Kohli, Shikhar Dhawan, IPL Records, Indian Premier League, Cricket News, Match-Winning Knock